Earlier this month, REACH welcomed Jean Doliber to the staff as our new Director of Development. She joined us at a busy time, as we prepare for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), our annual Reach for the Stars Gala, and the upcoming office move! Before things got too crazy, we wanted to take some time and get to know the latest member of the REACH team.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Jean Doliber, REACH’s new Director of Development

I was born and raised just outside of Chicago – in a northern suburb called Lindenhurst – one of four children. My father was the mayor of our town for over 20 years. Studied fashion design and merchandising in college to start…then theology – with an emphasis on counseling.

I’ve lived in many states around the country met and married my husband in Seattle. We landed in Savannah, GA – where we lived and raised our daughter for over 20 years. About 3 years ago, my husband was offered a job here in the Boston area (his home) and we jumped at the opportunity to be back in New England.

Prior to coming to REACH, I’ve worked in retail, had my own Visual Merchandising company, and worked in fundraising for many non-profits – including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and most recently here in Boston at the Joslin Diabetes Center.

What are some of your hobbies?

I’ve always loved decorating and home furnishings – I thought at one point I would open my own home/gift shop. I LOVE the Christmas holidays and enjoy decorating and gift giving! And I’ve always had a wanderlust spirit and enjoy traveling – anywhere!

What are you most excited about in your new job?

I’ve spent a great deal of my career working at child-focused non-profits but making a difference in the world is my number one priority! I’ve always believed that you have to leave the world in a better place than what you found it. Working in the domestic violence field is something totally new…and I’m excited about the challenge!

Having been involved in fundraising for many years, the one thing I have always loved is working with donors and friends of an organization. And since I’ve been here at REACH, I’ve heard only great and AMAZING things about this donor community – that you are all committed, generous, and always looking for ways to get involved! And that makes my job so much more fun! I’ve already met a number of the board, other donors, and supporters. I’m looking forward to meeting so many more from this vibrant community over the next few months with this year’s Reach for the Stars Gala (I LOVE parties and gala events and all that goes into putting them together to make them a magical night!), the Holiday Gift Program (my most favorite time of the year!!)…and so much more! What a great time to come on board and be able to be involved in so many big efforts to support REACH!

The staff here is incredibly passionate about the mission – and everyone has been so generous with their time in teaching me so many things. The one thing I can say that has been my biggest takeaway to date is that there are so many layers to domestic violence and that there’s no one, easy fix. It’s complicated and hard…but this work can be so rewarding in the end. The advocates, shelter staff, educators, the prevention team…the entire community of staff members ALL do some pretty amazing work to provide a voice to victims and survivors. And if I can make a small impact in raising money so they can effect change in people’s lives…then I’m all in!

If you are a REACH supporter and want to introduce yourself to Jean and get to know her one-on-one, drop her an email or purchase your ticket to the Reach for the Stars Gala and come meet her in person!